Ridley-Tree Cancer Center

Social Services

The situation was especially difficult as Betty’s husband Larry, who has Parkinson’s disease, lives at Covenant Living at the Samarkand. “It’s just the two of us,” Betty explained.

For Betty, social services funded by the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara have been life-saving. “I don’t think I could survive this without all of the help I’ve received,” she said.

These free services include professional assistance from clinical social worker Amy Shapton, managing medical bills, insurance claims, and disability applications. The care team also provides critical transportation to Betty’s medical appointments.

“My radiation is scheduled every day, but at different times, for six weeks, requiring four volunteers weekly,” said Betty. “The volunteers wait for me at the Cancer Center and then take me to Samarkand to see my husband.”

Betty’s patient navigator, Dawn Elliott, has been instrumental in coordinating her care—handling referrals, paperwork, and connecting Betty with specialists including an acupuncturist and nutritionist. She has also benefited from meditation guidance and nutrient-rich meals from Organic Soup Kitchen, all funded through Cancer Foundation grants.

“My patient care team has been a huge help,” said Betty. “Without this support I don’t think I could get through this. My husband needs me and I need to be strong for him.”

“My patient care team has been a huge help. Without this support I don’t think I could get through this. My husband needs me and I need to be strong for him.”